Animal interaction method

ABSTRACT

A method for a person to interact with an animal has been invented which includes a person throwing a plate on which at least one item is releasably mounted, retrieving the plate by the animal for the person, releasing of the at least one item from the plate by the person, and giving the at least one item to the animal.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No.08/338,675 entitled "Animal Retrieval Toy" filed on Nov. 14, 1994 and tobe issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5.553.570 on Sep. 10, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to methods for a person or persons tointeract with other persons or with an animal and, in certain aspects,to animal toys and, in one aspect, to a toy on or in which a smaller toyor item, or treat or food substance is emplaceable.

2. Description of Related Art

The prior art reveals a variety of retrieval devices for playing withanimals and for teaching them various behaviors, including such thingsas chewable toys, plastic bones, artificial animals, and Frisbee (TM)devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,880 discloses a dog chew toy made from alength of rope impregnated with a therapeutic dental agent that isreleased onto a dog's teeth. U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,436 discloses abone-shaped therapeutic device for dogs which is made from a hard, toughmaterial with protruding spikes that scrape tartar and plaque from adog's teeth as he chews the device. A design for such a device isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 343,262. U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,444 (andU.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,352) discloses a therapeutic pet toy with anelastomer body with grooves sized for receiving a dog's teeth to scrapeplaque and debris from the teeth. U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,510 discloses astuffed pet toy at the end of a tether secured to a telescoping wand.U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,557,219 and 4,513,014 disclose a chewable animal toymade from super-tough molded elastomeric material with asurface-migrating flavoring material and a groove which facilitatesflexing of the toy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,097 discloses an automatic fooddispensing device for pets with a plurality of interior areas forholding and from which food is dispensed. U.S. Pat. No. 1,111,111discloses an animal chewable toy with animal mean pieces disposedtherein. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,340,347; 3,359,678; and Des. 209,526 discloseflying toys which are generally saucer-shaped.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention teaches methods for interpersonal interaction andmethods for persons to interact with animals. In one aspect a methodaccording to this invention includes a person throwing a device to whichis releasably secured, connected, or mounted an item; retrieval of thedevice by an animal (human, mammal, dog, etc.); and releasing the itemfrom the device and giving it to the animal, in one aspect as a rewardfor correct and/or quick retrieval and return, and in another aspect aspart of a game.

In one embodiment the present invention discloses a toy retrievable byan animal such as a dog or cat, the toy having a body with two joinedyet releasable parts, one or both of which have a hollow portion thereinor a holding device thereon for holding an item, animal treat, or fooditem and for preventing the animal from having access to the item untila person opens the body or releases the item from a holding device.

In one embodiment the body of the toy either has a portion of one partwhich is transparent or the entire part is transparent so that an animalcan see a food treat, an item, or a picture within the body. Anotherembodiment according to the present invention includes a food item oritems in a transparent wrapper or container which is held to or on thebody. In one such embodiment an interior mirror is emplaced at alocation in the toy so that it is viewable from the toy's exterior.

In one embodiment the two parts of the body have mating threads so theparts are screwable together. In another embodiment two parts are heldtogether with a friction fit and/or a snap fit. In certain embodimentsthe body is shaped like a bone, or like a small animal that a largeranimal would eat. In another embodiment the body is shaped as a flyingtoy plate or Frisbee (TM) device. In one aspect such a device is solidwith an interior chamber or recess for holding an item, a treat, or fooditem.

In one embodiment the present invention discloses a series of devices asdisclosed above of different colors and/or with different indicia (e.g.letters, symbols, or numbers thereon). In one method according to thisinvention for using such devices an item, a treat or food item is placedin only one of the devices and an animal (or person) is asked toretrieve that device according to its indicia from among a plurality ofdevices.

In another embodiment the body has a pocket or other container thereinor thereon for holding a card or photograph.

Other embodiments include one, more, or any combination of all of thefeatures listed above.

In another aspect a toy according to this invention has releasablysecured thereto a container, envelope, or package with a food itemtherein, e.g. a piece of cheese, meat, dog food, cat food or candy; andin one aspect the container, envelope or package is transparent or has atransparent portion which reveals to an animal retrieving the toy or toa human being observing or using the toy the contents thereof. In oneaspect a photograph or pictorial representation or other indicia is on aphotograph or card emplaced in the container, envelope, or package. Inone aspect a releasable adhesive material is used, either on thecontainer etc., on a surface of the toy, or both, to hold the containeretc. in place as the toy is used and/or thrown. In another aspectreleasably cooperating material, e.g. Velcro (TM) material, is used tosecure the container etc. to the toy.

It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred embodiments ofthe present invention to provide:

New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious animal interaction methodsand animal toys which hold a treat, game piece, scoring indicator, fooditem or other item therein or thereon;

Such devices with a transparent portion or apparatus for revealing thefood item or other item;

Such devices with two securable but separable parts; and

Such devices from which the item is easily releasable or removable;

Methods for using such devices for play and for education with animalsor human beings.

The present invention discloses, in certain embodiments, a method for aperson to interact with an animal, the method including a personthrowing a plate on which at least one item is releasably mounted,retrieving the plate by the animal for the person, releasing of the atleast one item from the plate by the person, and giving the at least oneitem to the animal; such a method wherein the animal is a mammal; such amethod wherein the mammal is a dog; such a method wherein the at leastone item is releasably mounted to the plate with a flexible member fixedto the plate and the method including stretching the flexible member andinserting the at least one item therein; such a method includingreleasably attaching the at least one item to the plate; such a methodwherein the at least one item is releasably mounted to the plate by aprojection on the plate releasably held in a slot on the at least oneitem, and the method includes emplacing the at least one item onto theprojection; such a method wherein the at least one item is releasablyinsertable through and releasably holdable in at least one openingthrough the plate, and the method including inserting the at least itemthrough the at least one opening; such a method wherein the at least oneitem is releasably held in at least one hollow container attached to theplate, and the method includes inserting the at least one item into thehollow container; such a method wherein the at least one item isremovably held in at least one pocket fixed to the plate and the methodincludes inserting the at least one item into the pocket; such a methodwherein the pocket is flexible and has a stretchable mouth through whichthe at least one item is passable into and out of the pocket; such amethod wherein the plate has an upturned lip spaced apart from the bodyand the at least one item is releasably held between the lip and thebody and the method includes inserting the at least one item between thelip and the body; such a method wherein the at least one item isreleasably held in at least one recess in the plate and a flexiblemember with one end fixed to the plate is disposed with part thereofbeneath the at least one item in the at least one recess with a free endof the flexible member extending out from the at least one recess, andthe method includes pulling on the free end of the flexible member tofacilitate removal of the at least one item from the at least onerecess; such a method wherein the at least one item is from the groupconsisting of food, toys, game score indicators, food containers,beverage containers, hollow containers, and solid objects; such a methodwherein hollow container has contents from the group consisting of food,beverage, toys, game score indicators, replicas of brand name products,and a secondary hollow container; such a method wherein the at least oneitem is releasably secured to the plate with releasably cooperatingfastener material; such a method wherein the at least one item is aplurality of at least two items; such a method such a method wherein theplate has a shape as viewed from above from the group of shapesconsisting of circular, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal,sexagonal, septagonal, octagonal, and nonagonal; such a method whereinthe person is a first person, the plate is a first plate, the at leastone item is a plurality of items, and the method includes throwing bythe first person of the first plate and at least one second plate forcontested retrieval by the second person and by at least one additionalperson, the at least one second plate comprising at least one throwingplate with at least one item releasably attached thereto; such a methodwherein the plurality of items is a plurality of game pieces and thesecond person and the at least one additional person score in a game byretrieving a plate with game pieces releasably attached thereto; such amethod wherein each game piece has scoring indicia thereon.

Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particularindividual feature disclosed here, but include combinations of themdistinguished from the prior art in their structures and functions.Features of the invention have been broadly described so that thedetailed descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in orderthat the contributions of this invention to the arts may be betterappreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the inventiondescribed below and which may be included in the subject matter of theclaims to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefitof this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate thatthe conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis fordesigning other structures, methods and systems for carrying out andpracticing the present invention. The claims of this invention are to beread to include any legally equivalent devices or methods which do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention recognizes and addresses the previously-mentionedproblems and long-felt needs and provides a solution to those problemsand a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possibleembodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who hasthe benefits of this invention's realizations, teachings, disclosures,and suggestions, other purposes and advantages will be appreciated fromthe following description of preferred embodiments, given for thepurpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwartthis patent's object to claim this invention no matter how others maylater disguise it by variations in form or additions of furtherimprovements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of embodiments of the invention brieflysummarized above may be had by references to the embodiments which areshown in the drawings which form a part of this specification. Thesedrawings illustrate certain preferred embodiments and are not to be usedto improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have otherequally effective or legally equivalent embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an artificial dog bone according to thepresent invention. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the bone of FIG.1A. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a boneaccording to the present invention which is similar to the bone of FIG.1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an artificial dog bone according to thepresent invention with interior aspects shown with dotted lines.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a flying retrieval toy according to thepresent invention. FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the toy ofFIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the toy of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a side cross-sectional view of a flying retrieval toyaccording to the present invention. FIG. 4B is a top view of the toy ofFIG. 4A. FIGS. 4C and 4D show a top view of a food treat or itemaccording to the present invention. FIG. 4E shows a side view of a foodtreat or item according to the present invention.

FIG.5A is a side cross-sectional view of a flying retrieval toyaccording to the present invention, as is FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of an artificial mouse toy according tothe present invention. FIG. 6B shows an exploded view, partially incross-section, of the mouse of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C shows an artificialmouse toy according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an artificial mouse toy according tothe present invention. FIG. 7B shows an exploded view, partially incross-section, of the mouse of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7C shows an artificialmouse toy according to the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a throwing plate according to the presentinvention. FIG. 8B is a top view of the plate of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is abottom view of the plate of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D is a crosssectional viewalong line 8D--8D of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9A is a side view of a throwing plate according to the presentinvention. FIG. 9B is a top view of the plate of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is abottom view of the plate of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9D is a crosssectional viewalong line 9D--9D of FIG. 9B.

FIG. 10A is a side view of a throwing plate according to the presentinvention. FIG. 10B is a top view of the plate of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10 C isa bottom view of the plate of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10D is a crosssectionalview along line 10D--10D of FIG. 10B. FIG. 11A is a side view of athrowing plate according to the present invention. FIG. 11B is a topview of the plate of FIG. 11 A. FIG. 11C is a bottom view of the plateof FIG. 11A. FIG. 11D is a crosssectional view along line 11D--11D ofFIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A is a bottom view of a throwing plate according to the presentinvention. FIG. 12B is a crosssectional view along line 12B--12B of FIG.12A. FIG. 13 A is a bottom view of a throwing plate according to thepresent invention. FIG. 13B is a crosssectional view along line 13B--13Bof FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is a side view in crosssection of a throwing plate according tothe present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view in crosssection of a throwing plate according tothe present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a toy, food item, score indicator, oritem according to the present invention.

FIG. 17A is a side crosssection view of a throwing plate according tothe present invention. FIG. 17B is a side crosssectional view of an itemaccording to the present invention. FIG. 18 is a side view incrosssection of an item according to the present invention.

FIG. 19A is a side view in crosssection of a throwing plate according tothe present invention. FIG. 19B is top view of the plate of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a side view in crosssection of a throwing plate according tothe present invention. FIG. 20B is a top view of the plate of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is a side view in crosssection of a throwing plate according tothe present invention. FIG. 21B is a top view of the plate of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22A is a side view of a throwing plate according to the presentinvention. FIG. 22B is a top view of the plate of FIG. 22A. FIG. 22C isa bottom view of the plate of FIG. 22A. FIG. 22D is a crosssectionalview along line 22D--22D of FIG. 22B.

FIG. 23A is a side view of a throwing plate according to the presentinvention. FIG. 23B is a top view of the plate of FIG. 23A. FIG. 23C isa bottom view of the plate of FIG. 23A. FIG. 23D is a crosssectionalview along line 23D--23D of FIG. 23B.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS PREFERRED AT THE TIME OF FILING FOR THISPATENT

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a retrieval device 10 according to the presentinvention which is generally shaped like a bone. The device 10 has tworeleasably separable parts 12 and 14 which are releasably securedtogether with exterior threads 16 or an end 13 of the part 12 andinterior threads 18 on an end 15 of the part 14. A treat or food item Fis removably confined in an interior chamber 20 of the part 14. After ananimal retrieves the device 10, a person unscrews the two parts 12 and14 and either removes the item F and gives it to the animal as a rewardor lets the item F roll out from the interior chamber 20.

A device 21 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. iC whichis similar to the device 10 of FIG. 1A. The same numerals in FIGS. 1Aand 1C indicate the same structure. An end 22 of the device 21 isreleasably securable to an end 23. A treat or food item F is disposed inan interior chamber 24 formed in the part 22. A transparent piece 25over all or a portion of the chamber 24 permits visual access to theitem F while it is in the chamber 24. Optionally one or more vent holes26 serve as air holes and/or permit an aroma from the item F to escapefrom the chamber 20 to further interest an animal in retrieving thedevice 21 and/or to provide a sensory indicator of the location of thedevice 21, e.g. if it is hidden in tall grass or under water. A mirror Mis viewable through the transparent piece 25. A transparent piece 25 maybe used with any embodiment of the present invention disclosed ordescribed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a device 30 according to the present invention whichhas two parts 32 and 34 releasably secured together by a friction fitbetween an end 38 of the part 34 and an end 36 of the part 32. A treat,food item, or other item F is disposed in an interior chamber 40 of thepart 32. Known snap-fit mechanisms (not shown) may be used with the twoends 36 and 38 for further securement of the two parts.

FIGS. 3A-3C show a generally plate-shaped flying retrieval toy 50according to the present invention which has a body 52 with a topsurface 55 and a lateral edge 54. A container 56 is secured to or formedof a bottom surface 51 of the body 52. An item F is removablyemplaceable in the container 56. The container 56 may be releasablysecured to the bottom surface 51 with a suitable adhesive, mechanicalstructure (e.g. a clip), or releasably cooperating fastener (e.g. VELCRO(TM) material). The container 56 has a sidewall 57 and a hinged lid 58connected, e.g. with a living hinge 49 to the side wall 57. The lid 58may be releasably securable to the side wall 57 with a snap-fitstructure that includes, e.g. a bead 59 on the lid 58 and a bead recess53 on the side wall 57. Alternatively the lid 58 may be releasablyreceived and held within the interior periphery of the side wall 57. Aportion 47 of the body 52 may be transparent.; alternatively any deviceaccording to this invention may be made entirely of transparentmaterial.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a generally plate-shaped flying retrieval toy 60according to the present invention that has a main body 62 with a recess64 therein for receiving and holding a treat, food item, or other item66. In one aspect, proper sizing of the recess 64 and item 66 results ina friction fit of the item 66 in the recess 64 rendering it difficult orimpossible for an animal to remove the item 66 from the recess 64.Indentation(s), hole(s) or a raised portion on the item 66 willfacilitate removal from the recess 64 by a person. A recess such as therecess 64 may be positioned anywhere in the body 62 and two or more suchrecesses may be used on the same or different sides of the body 62. FIG.4C shows a food treat or item 61, like the item 66, but with anindentation 63 to facilitate handling and removal from a recess. FIG. 4Dshows a food treat or item 65, like the treat 61, but with twoindentations 67. FIG. 4E shows a food treat or item 69 with a raisedportion 59 to facilitate handling and removal from a recess. Althoughthe items 61, 65, and 69 are shows as generally cylindrical, they may beany shape or configuration usable with a recess of any suitable shape orconfiguration, e.g. but not limited to cone-shaped, cubic, etc.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a flying retrieval toy 70 according to the presentinvention which has two parts 72 and 74 releasably held together by afriction fit of an end 76 of the part 72 held within an end 78 of thepart 74 to form a generally plate-shaped plate member. An item F is heldin an interior chamber 75 of the part 74.

For particular animals a retrieval toy according to the presentinvention may be made to look like another creature which a particularanimal eats. For example, FIGS. 6A and 6B show an artificial mouse 80according to the present invention which is attractive to cats which hastwo releasably securable parts 81 and 82 with an interior chamber 83 forholding an item F. FIG. 6C shows an artificial mouse 84 with tworeleasably secured parts 85 and 86. Part 86 has air holes 87. A smallerartificial mouse or live mouse S is disposed in an inner chamber 88 ofthe mouse 84. The mouse 84 is made of transparent plastic so the livemouse may be seen.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an artificial bird 90 with two releasably securableparts 91 and 92 with an interior chamber 87 for holding a food treat orother item. FIG. 7C shows an artificial bird 84 with two releasablysecured parts 85 and 86. Part 86 has air holes 87. A smaller artificialbird or live bird B is disposed in an inner chamber 88 of the bird 84.The bird 84 is made of transparent plastic so the live bird may be seen.It is within the scope of this invention to provide a body of any animalshape with a smaller artificial or live animal therein, or to inserttherein any of the items or treats previously described herein. Withrespect to those embodiments shown from only one side in the drawings,the other side is a mirror image of the side shown.

FIGS. 8A-8D show a throwing plate 150 according to the present inventionwith a body 152 and two upstanding posts 154. The posts 154 are shaped,sized, disposed, and configured for releasable receipt within a recess,opening, or slot in a toy, food item, container, game piece, gamescoring indicator, food container, beverage container, replica of a foodor beverage container (e.g., but not limited to a can of beer orcarbonated drink), or other container (hereinafter referred tocollectively as an"item" or"items"). The item is thus releasablymountable to or securable on the plate. It is within the scope of thisinvention to have one, two, three, four, or more of the posts 154 spacedapart on the body in any manner, in any pattern and/or with any desiredspacing on the top, side, and/or bottom thereof, and, in one aspect,spaced so that the plate is balanced. It is also within the scope ofthis invention for the plate (and for any plate disclosed herein) to beany desired shape as viewed from the top or from the bottom, including,but not limited to a shape that is square, oval, circular, rectangular,triangular, pentangular, sexangular, septangular, octangular, etc.

FIGS. 9A-9D show a throwing plate 160 according to the present inventionwith a body 162 and three downwardly projecting posts 164. The posts 164are shaped, sized, disposed, and configured for releasable receiptwithin a recess, opening, or slot in a toy, food item, container, gamepiece, game scoring indicator, food container, beverage container,replica of a food or beverage container (e.g., but not limited to a canof beer or carbonated drink), or other container (hereinafter referredto collectively as an"item" or"items"). The item is thus releasablymountable to or securable on the plate. It is within the scope of thisinvention to have one, two, three, four, or more of the posts 164 spacedapart on the body in any manner, in any pattern and/or with any desiredspacing on the top, side, and/or bottom thereof, and, in one aspect,spaced so that the plate is balanced.

FIGS. 10A-10D show a throwing plate 170 according to the presentinvention with a body 172 with a hollow holder 174 extendingtherethrough. The hollow holder 174 releasably holds an item or itemsand is formed integrally of the body 172 or is secured to it, e.g. bysuitable adhesives or tape. As shown, the hollow holder 174 iscylindrical, but it is within the scope of this invention for it to beany shape (as viewed from above or from below), including the shapesmentioned for the plate 150 and a shape corresponding to the shape of anitem releasably held therein. Two, three, four or more of the holders174 may be used with the plate 170 and they may be disposed on the top,bottom, and/or side thereof.

FIGS. 10A-10D show a throwing plate 280 according to the presentinvention with a body 282 with a hollow holder 284 extendingtherethrough. The hollow holder 284 releasably holds an item or itemsand is formed integrally of the body 282 or is secured to it, e.g. bysuitable adhesives. As shown, the hollow holder 284 is cylindrical, butit is within the scope of this invention for it to be any shape (asviewed from above or from below), including the shapes mentioned for theplate 150 and a shape corresponding to the shape of an item releasablyheld therein. Two, three, four or more of the holders 284 may be usedwith the plate 280 and they may be disposed on the top, bottom, and/orside thereof. A removable cover or cap may be used on the open (lower)end of the hollow holder 284, and either or both ends of the hollowholder 174 may have such a cap or cover.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a throwing plate 180 with a body 182 whose topview (not shown) is like that of the plate 150 without the posts 154,but whose bottom view shows a strap 184 with and end 185 fixed to thebody 182 and an end 186 releasably connectible (e.g., with an adhesive,with releasably cooperating fastener material (e.g. hook and pilematerial), or with VELCRO (TM) material) to the body 182. It is withinthe scope of this invention for the strap 184 to be anywhere on the body182 (top, bottom, side, any location); for there to be one, two, three,four, or more such straps; and for there to be one or more straps ondifferent parts of the body (e.g. but not limited to one or two strapson the top and one or two straps on the bottom).

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a throwing plate 190 with a body 192 whose topview (not shown) is like that of the plate 150 without the posts 154,but whose bottom view shows a cloth or fabric pocket 194 with anopenable/closable mouth 195. The pocket is fixed to the body 192 withany suitable adhesive or fasteners. The mouth 195 may have anexpandable/contractible band such as a band of elastic material-shownstretched open in FIG. 13A. The pocket 194 may be releasably connectedto the body 192, e.g., with adhesive, fasteners, and/or releasablycooperating fastener material, or with VELCRO (TM) material) to the body182. It is within the scope of this invention for the pocket 194 to beanywhere on the body 192 (top, bottom, side, any location); for there tobe one, two, three, four, or more such straps; and for there to be oneor more pockets on different parts of the body (e.g. but not limited toone or two pockets on the top and one or two pockets on the bottom). Thepocket 194 removably holds an item or items.

FIG. 14 shows a throwing plate 200 according to the present inventionwith a body 202 to which is affixed a rubber band or flexible strip 204for releasably holding an item or items. The band or strip 204 may beattached as the pocket 194 or strip 184 is attached or it may meattached by placing it through a hole or opening in the plate, and, ifneeded tying a knot or knots in the band or strip. The band or strip 204may be releasably connected to the body 202, e.g., with adhesive,fasteners, and/or releasably cooperating fastener material, or withVELCRO (TM) material) to the body 202. It is within the scope of thisinvention for the band or strip 204 to be anywhere on the body 202 (top,bottom, side, any location); for there to be one, two, three, four, ormore such band/or strips; and for there to be one or more bands orstrips on different parts of the body (e.g. but not limited to one ortwo bands or strips on the top and one or two bands or strips on thebottom). The band or strip 204 removably holds an item or items.

FIG. 15 shows a throwing plate 210 according to the present inventionwith a body 212 having an upturned lip 214 formed, disposed, andconfigured to releasably hold an item 215 and/or an item 216. The lipmay be turned outwardly rather than inwardly as shown in FIG. 15. Asshown, the lip 214 is flexible so that the item(s) are removable fromthe plate 210 by freeing them by moving the lip. The item 215 has a slot217 for use with the projections or posts of the plates of FIGS. 8A and9A. A similar slot may be used in any item disclosed herein. The lip 214may be more rigid than shown and not extend back toward the plate bodyas much so that an item or items may releasably be held between the lipand the interior wall of the plate body and the item released withoutmoving the lip. A lip 214 may used on the top of the plate 210, on thebottom (as shown), or on both. A portion of such a lip may be usedanywhere on the body to releasably hold an item or items.

FIG. 16 shows the item 216. The item 216 may have a length such that itcovers only a portion of the circumference of the plate 210 (as shown),or it may be sufficiently long to cover the entire circumference of theplate 210.

FIG. 17A shows a throwing plate 220 according to the present inventionwith a body 222 and releasably cooperating fastener material 224 on thebottom thereof. An item 226 (FIG. 17B) has corresponding releasablycooperating fastener material 227 so that it is releasable connectibleto the body 222. The item 226 may be any item disclosed herein. In oneaspect the item 226 is a food item, e.g. but not limited to, a dogbiscuit or dog treat made so that part of the item to be consumed by thedog or animal is in the form of pieces, fibers, or fibrils whichreleasably mate with the material 224. It is within the scope of thisinvention to use the material 224 anywhere on the plate 220 and to useone, two, three, four, or more such pieces of material.

FIG. 18 shows a hollow container 229 with releasably cooperatingfastener material 228 with an item 223 removably disposed therein. Thehollow container 229 is releasably attachable to the material 224 of theplate 220 of FIG. 17A.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show a throwing plate 230 according to the presentinvention (like that of FIG. 4A) with a body 232 with a recess 234therein for releasably receiving and holding an item 236. A flexiblemember 233 has an end 235 fixed to the body 232 and is positioned sothat it is emplaceable in the recess 234 under the item 236 with a freeend 237 projecting from the recess. Pulling on the free end 237facilitates removal of the item 236 from the recess 234.

The flexible member 233 may be any suitable cloth, string, wire, yarn,plastic, or rubber. Such a member 233 may be used with any recess for anitem disclosed herein.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show a throwing plate 240 according to the presentinvention (like that of FIG. 4A) with a body 242 with a recess 244therein for releasably receiving and holding an item 246. A movablecover 243 is pivotally pinned with a pin 249 to the body 242 permittingselective access to the item 246. Instead of a pinned cover, a soft orrigid cover may be adhesively and removably attached over the recess244.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show a throwing plate 250 according to the presentinvention (like that of FIG. 4A) with a body 252 with a two recesses 254therein for releasably receiving and holding an item (not shown). It iswithin the scope of this invention for their to be three, four, or morerecesses 254 in the plate 250 or in any plate disclosed herein.

FIGS. 22A-22D show a throwing plate 260 with a body 262 according to thepresent invention. The body 262 is made of material sufficientlyflexible and resilient so that an item may be inserted through andreleasably held in slitted portions 263, 264 and 265. Any number of suchslitted portions may be used positioned anywhere on the body 262,including in the top, bottom, and/or side thereof.

FIGS. 23A-23D show a throwing plate 270 with a body 272 according to thepresent invention. The body 272 is made of material sufficientlyflexible and resilient so that an item 276 is inserted through andreleasably held in a three-armed slitted portion 273. Any number of suchslitted portions may be used positioned anywhere on the body 272,including in the top, bottom, and/or side thereof. The item 276 may havea slot 277 for use with the projections or posts of the plates of FIGS.8A and 9A.

In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and theembodiments disclosed herein and those covered by the appended claimsare well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends setforth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter withoutdeparting from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It isrealized that changes are possible within the scope of this inventionand it is further intended that each element or step recited in any ofthe following claims is to be understood as referring to all equivalentelements or steps. The following claims are intended to cover theinvention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may beutilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for a person to interact with an animal,the method comprisinga person throwing a plate on which at least oneitem is releasably mounted, retrieving the plate by the animal for theperson, releasing of the at least one item from the plate by the person,and giving the at least one item to the animal.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the animal is a mammal.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein themammal is a dog.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprisingreleasablyattaching the at least one item to the plate.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein the at least one item is releasably held in at least one hollowcontainer attached to the plate, and the method further comprisinginserting the at least one item into the hollow container.
 6. The methodof claim 1 wherein the at least one item is removably held in at leastone pocket fixed to the plate and the method further comprisinginsertingthe at least one item into the pocket.
 7. The method of claim 1 whereinhollow container has contents from the group consisting of food,beverage, toys, game score indicators, replicas of brand name products,and a secondary hollow container.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein theat least one item is a plurality of at least two items.
 9. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the plate has a shape as viewed from above from thegroup of shapes consisting of circular, square, rectangular, triangular,pentagonal, sexagonal, septagonal, octagonal, and nonagonal.
 10. Amethod for a person to interact with an animal, the method comprisingaperson throwing a plate on which at least one item is releasablymounted, retrieving the plate by the animal for the person, releasing ofthe at least one item from the plate by the person, giving the at leastone item to the animal, and wherein the at least one item is releasablymounted to the plate with a flexible member fixed to the plate and themethod further comprisingstretching the flexible member and insertingthe at least one item therein.
 11. A method for a person to interactwith an animal, the method comprisinga person throwing a plate on whichat least one item is releasably mounted, retrieving the plate by theanimal for the person, releasing of the at least one item from the plateby the person, giving the at least one item to the animal, and whereinthe at least one item is releasably mounted to the plate by a projectionon the plate releasably held in a slot on the at least one item, and themethod further comprisingemplacing the at least one item onto theprojection.
 12. A method for a person to interact with an animal, themethod comprisinga person throwing a plate on which at least one item isreleasably mounted, retrieving the plate by the animal for the person,releasing of the at least one item from the plate by the person, givingthe at least one item to the animal, and wherein the at least one itemis releasably insertable through and releasably holdable in at least oneopening through the plate, and the method further comprisinginsertingthe at least one item through the at least one opening.
 13. A method fora person to interact with an animal, the method comprisinga personthrowing a plate on which at least one item is releasably mounted,retrieving the plate by the animal for the person, releasing of the atleast one item from the plate by the person, giving the at least oneitem to the animal, and wherein the at least one item is removably heldin at least one pocket fixed to the plate, wherein the pocket isflexible and has a stretchable mouth through which the at least one itemis passable into and out of the pocket, and the method furthercomprisinginserting the at least one item into the pocket.
 14. A methodfor a person to interact with an animal, the method comprisinga personthrowing a plate on which at least one item is releasably mounted,retrieving the plate by the animal for the person, releasing of the atleast one item from the plate by the person, giving the at least oneitem to the animal, and wherein the plate has an upturned lip spacedapart from the body and the at least one item is releasably held betweenthe lip and the body and the method further comprisinginserting the atleast one item between the lip and the body.
 15. A method for a personto interact with an animal, the method comprisinga person throwing aplate on which at least one item is releasably mounted, retrieving theplate by the animal for the person, releasing of the at least one itemfrom the plate by the person, giving the at least one item to theanimal, and wherein the at least one item is releasably held in at leastone recess in the plate and a flexible member with one end fixed to theplate is disposed with part thereof beneath the at least one item in theat least one recess with a free end of the flexible member extending outfrom the at least one recess, and the method further comprisingpullingon the free end of the flexible member to facilitate removal of the atleast one item from the at least on recess.
 16. A method for a person tointeract with an animal, the method comprisinga person throwing a plateon which at least one item is releasably mounted, retrieving the plateby the animal for the person, releasing of the at least one item fromthe plate by the person, giving the at least one item to the animal, andwherein the at least one item is releasably secured to the plate withreleasably cooperating fastener material.
 17. A method for a firstperson to interact with at least two additional persons, the methodcomprisinga first person throwing a plate on which at least one item isreleasably mounted, retrieving the plate by one of the at least twoadditional persons, wherein the plate is a first plate, the at least oneitem is a plurality of items, the at least two additional persons is asecond person and at least one additional person, and the method furthercomprisingthrowing by the first person of the first plate and at leastone second plate for contested retrieval by the second person and by theat least one additional person, and the at least one second platecomprising at least one throwing plate with at least one item releasablyattached thereto.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the plurality ofitems is a plurality of game pieces and the second person and the atleast one additional person score in a game by retrieving a plate withgame pieces releasably attached thereto.
 19. The method of claim 18wherein each game piece has scoring indicia thereon.